The Nigerian Government has selected Geregu in Kogi State and Itu in Akwa Ibom State to build two nuclear power plants, which will each have a capacity of 2400MW.
The sites have been finalised after the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) selected the sites for the plants, which will involve an investment of $20bn.
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NAEC Chairman Erepamo Osaisai was cited by Daily Trust as saying: "Detailed evaluation and characterisation to be conducted on preferred sites on the approval of the government in Geregu, Ajaokuta Local Government Area of kogi State and Itu in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State."
NAEC revealed in April that it has been discussing with Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation Rosatom for construction of the nuclear facilities in the country.
Rosatom, which will co-finance the Nigerian project, will build, own, operate the projects and then transfer them to the Nigerian Government after development.
NAEC expects to conclude preliminary licensing for the approved sites from Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) within 2016.
Nigeria has already initiated training and capacity building for the development and operations of the facilities.
The African country is presently dependent on gas for 80% of its power requirements and on hydro for the remaining 20%, but intends to diversify its power generation capabilities.
Nigeria aims to add nuclear power to its energy mix in order to meet its 2020 target for generating 20,000MW.
Nigeria Ministry of Power Permanent Secretary Godknows Igali said: "With NAEC’s plan to inject 1,200MW from first nuclear power plant in 2025 and increase to 4,800MW in 2035, the energy mix is expected to have increased to about 20% power generation from clean sources."
